In the dynamic landscape of maintenance management, the role of maintenance managers is paramount. With a plethora of tasks to oversee, the integration of Computerized Maintenance Management Software (CMMS) emerges as a game-changer. This robust system becomes the cornerstone of organized maintenance operations, offering tools to track issues, identify improvement opportunities, and streamline workflows.
Say goodbye to the days of manual tracking with spreadsheets and post-it notes—CMMS is the modern solution that ensures meticulous organization, from tracking assets to managing warranties, manufacturers, vendors, and overall maintenance programs.
What Is CMMS?
CMMS, or Computerized Maintenance Management System, is a comprehensive suite of tools designed to assist manufacturing companies in the management and upkeep of their physical assets. In the manufacturing context, CMMS software offers crucial support for asset management, data maintenance, and tracking of various elements, such as production equipment and machinery.
The CMMS system market is anticipated to achieve a market size of *$1.7 billion by 2028, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.41% from 2021 to 2028, underlining its increasing significance within the manufacturing sector.
Within manufacturing operations, CMMS systems play a pivotal role by recording maintenance and repair activities, efficiently locating necessary parts or materials, tracking associated costs, and managing related workflows. These software features contribute significantly to enhancing the overall productivity of manufacturing organizations by minimizing downtime traditionally associated with equipment-related tasks
Key Features of CMMS
CMMS offers a range of functional features, making it an increasingly favored solution for businesses seeking to optimize their maintenance management operations. This system empowers maintenance managers with the ability to access crucial information from any device, enabling them to actively monitor and manage assets across various business locations.
Highlighted below are some of its standout features that position it as a sought-after system for manufacturers:
1. Reporting & Analysis
Upon inputting data into your CMMS, it becomes instantly available for generating reports or conducting analyses. Asset information becomes seamlessly integrated into the database, and any potential issues are automatically flagged to the maintenance department manager, accompanied by recommended solutions.
Post-completion of a job, technicians input information about the work itself, the time frame, involved parts or materials, and labor data. The system utilizes this data to support future maintenance and repair scheduling.
Leading CMMS platforms also facilitate tailored analyses, allowing users to specify parameters based on their industry or unique company requirements. The reporting and analysis functionalities typically encompass:
- Report Creation
- Report Auditing
- KPI Creation
- Fault Site Reporting
2. Work Order Management
Computerized maintenance management software can also manage asset maintenance and repair work orders. The system creates work orders based on a maintenance schedule and responds to authorized personnel's repair requests.
You can configure your CMMS to request work order approval or automatically send it to your maintenance manager. Use customizable filters to route requests by user, contractor, urgency, or priority. You can also standardize maintenance and repair request processes with a customized workflow.
Work requests are coded and given unique numbers for easy retrieval. After order issue, CMMS tracks the work request through planning, scheduling, and completion to ensure timely and efficient follow-up. Some work order management components:
- Work Order Automation
- Inspection/Audits
- Notifications
- Blanket Orders
3. Preventive Maintenance
By implementing a robust preventive maintenance (PM) program, you can be confident that you are taking proactive measures to extend the lifespan and optimize the efficiency of your business assets. This essential function offers valuable benefits, including reducing the costs associated with emergency repairs and preventing the deterioration of assets. The CMMS platform incorporates various features that support this crucial facet of asset management, such as:
- Inspection Management
- Preventive Maintenance Checklist
- Maintenance Interval Setting
- Performance Maintenance
- Failure Detection
4. Asset Management
Cloud-based CMMS software allows real-time asset management across many business locations. You and your maintenance manager can access this information from any connected device to monitor your precious equipment.
Maintenance records and schedules, service contracts, calibration points, safety certificates and procedures, metre readings and inspection requirements are all stored by the system. It also tracks asset locations, equipment failures, error codes, and downtime.
The system uses asset management data to generate reports, recommend repairs and replacements, and issue routine and emergency work orders. Additionally, equipment locations, usage patterns, and condition assessments impact scheduling decisions.
Key components of asset management include:
- Asset Accounting
- Asset Tracking
- Asset Performance Management
- Asset Transactions
- Life Cycle Monitoring
- Contract Management
5. Facilities Management
Within the realm of CMMS, facilities management is a specialized area that concentrates on overseeing the repair and maintenance of an organization's facilities and assets. The primary objective is to simplify the management of buildings, spaces, and personnel.
The approach involves proactive monitoring to promptly address issues as they arise, rather than waiting for them to escalate. By consistently overseeing the structures under your purview, you can identify and resolve problems early, resulting in long-term cost savings and ensuring that your facilities remain in optimal condition.
Automatic meter reading (AMR) refers to the automatic collection of consumption, diagnostic, and status data from water or energy metering systems. This data is then transmitted to a central database for purposes such as billing, troubleshooting, and analysis. Facilities management capabilities typically encompass:
- Facility Utilization
- Facility Condition Monitoring
- Automated Meter Reading
- Reservation Summary
- Facility Availability
6. Inventory Management
Cloud-based CMMS software allows real-time asset management across many business locations. You and your maintenance manager can access this information from any connected device to monitor your precious equipment.
Maintenance records and schedules, service contracts, calibration points, safety certificates and procedures, meter readings, and inspection requirements are all stored by the system. It also tracks asset locations, equipment failures, error codes, and downtime.
The system uses asset management data to generate reports, recommend repairs and replacements, and issue routine and emergency work orders. Additionally, equipment locations, usage patterns, and condition assessments impact scheduling decisions.
- Supplier Information Management
- Stock Level Metrics
- Inventory Allocation
- Bill of Materials (BOM)
- Cycle Counting
How Do These Features Help Manufacturers?
Manufacturers benefit significantly from the features offered by CMMS. The system's real-time asset management ensures efficient operation by providing instant access to vital information. This aids in minimizing downtime and optimizing resource utilization. The ability to track maintenance records, locate parts swiftly, and manage workflows enhances overall productivity.
Moreover, the system's automation streamlines inventory management, reducing supply shortages and facilitating quick transfers between multiple locations. CMMS features also enable manufacturers to make informed decisions through data-driven insights, resulting in improved operational efficiency and cost savings.
In essence, these capabilities empower manufacturers to enhance their production processes and maintain a competitive edge in the market.